Gestational diabetes (GD) affects about 1 in 10 women during their pregnancy. Fortunately, unlike other types of diabetes, GD (if treated properly) typically goes away after the baby is born. Although GD is usually short lived, it’s important to treat it for the health of the mother and baby. Since GD is often diagnosed later in the pregnancy, after the baby is developed, the risks to the baby are low. However, if GD is not managed, the extra insulin can a baby to be a bigger baby and delivery complications may occur.

The best way to find out if you have gestational diabetes is through testing and your doctor will recommend a test between the 24th and 28th week of your pregnancy. If you have certain “risk factors” such as advanced maternal age (over 35) or being overweight, your doctor may have you tested earlier in your pregnancy.

Routine Screening for GD

The thought of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes can be scary for many expectant mothers, however, the testing process if relatively easy and painless. While your testing experience may be different, here is what you can expect:

Initial Glucose Challenge Test: This test is also known as the 1 Hour Glucose Test. There is usually no fasting required for this test and patients are encouraged to eat as they normally would throughout the day. At the 1 hour test, you will be asked to drink a syrupy glucose solution, sometimes known as Glucola. Many people describe the glucose solution as tasting like flat soda, depending on the flavor, but it has a very sweet taste.

After you finish the glucose solution, you will be asked to sit quietly for an hour. After an

hour has passed your blood will be drawn and tested. If your blood sugar level is below

140 mg/dL, it’s usually considered normal and you have passed your glucose test and

further screening may not be needed. If your sugar levels test higher than 140, it’s likely

that you’ll need to move on to the 3 hour test.

Follow-Up Glucose Tolerance Testing: This test is also known as the 3 hour Glucose Test. Just like the initial test, you’ll be asked to drink the glucose solution, but this one has a higher concentration of glucose. You should fast (no food or drink) overnight and your blood will be drawn before you drink the Glucola, and after the first, second, and third hours. If at least 2 of your results are higher than normal, you will likely be diagnosed with GD and you will discuss treatment options with your doctor.

What If I Tested Early in My Pregnancy?

If your doctor tested you for GD before 24 weeks and you passed your glucose screening, you may have to be retested later in your pregnancy.

Are There Side Effects to the Test?

Although most women do not feel any ill effects from the glucose test, some women may feel light-headed, sweaty, or nauseous after drinking the glucose solution. If you start to feel ill, talk with medical staff and try to stay calm and quiet while you wait.

Share This

Spring is finally here, and the time has come to step away from the sweaty indoor track and out into the open air. Jogging in the spring is a classic activity that runners—especially those runners who live in northern states—look forward to all year. Spring is also a popular for time for new runners to pick up the hobby.

Like all hobbies, springtime jogging requires some specific equipment. Running is, of course, much less gear-heavy than many other sports, but you will still need to buy a few things if you’re going to be safe and happy while getting in your daily workout. But what’s good and what’s a waste? Choosing which items to buy can be a tough problem for runner, no matter the experience level. Here are few good picks for this year’s springtime runners.

Shoes

One of the best things about having running as your hobby is that it’s so simple to gear up. Throw on some comfortable clothes, slip some shoes on, and you’re off to the races! But shoe shopping is much more complicated than it used to be. Sports scientists and athletic equipment companies spend lots of time and money coming up with innovate approaches to shoes. It’s sort of like reinventing the wheel, except that it works and is incredibly useful.

But which shoes to get? Here are some high quality kicks that’ve been putting a spring in the step of many industry leaders:

New Balance 1500v2. Runner’s World Magazine put these nifty little guys at the number one spot on their Best Running Shoes of 2015 feature. According to the experts at that magazine, the 1500v2 are light, react well to your feet’s movements, and have a good fit. They’ll run you over a hundred bucks, but that’s really not so bad for a product that’s going to help build you into a lean, energetic athlete this spring.

Saucony Triumph ISO 2. These bouncy bad boys landed the number two spot on Runner’s World’s list. The magazine cited some hi tech fabric that results in flexibility, bounce, and comfort. They’ll cost you about 150 dollars.

Shirt and Pants Fabric

Some traditionalists might not be excited about having to buy a fancy shirt for their morning jog, but believe it or not, the right apparel can make or break a run. Running will make you sweat, and if you’re wearing the wrong clothes, that sweat will drag you down. Heavy, hot, gross, and exhausted, you’ll stagger home like a college kid after a night at the bar; distractions can lead to injuries. You don’t want that. Wear light clothes created with runners in mind in order to keep your body feeling cool, relaxed, and energetic. Lighter clothes are sure to assist you as you make your way through the congested crosswalk. Be sure to remember to look both ways before crossing to ensure safety. According to Long Island accident lawyers, “drivers have an obligation to the safety of pedestrians”.